
CD-5-H-5- 



Author. 



Title 



Imprint 



itt— 30899-1 GPO 



%\t JJtntt) Statue: 

OR, 

THE IRISHMAN IN BAGDAD: 

A MUSICAL ROMANCE; 

AS PERFORMING WITH UNBOUNDED APPLATTSE, 

AT THE 

BY THOMAS DIBDIN, 

AUTHOR OF THE JEW AND DOCTOR, CABINET, METRICAL HISTORY 
OF ENGLAND, &C. &C. 



LONDON: 



PRINTED FOR JOHN MILLER, 25, BOW-STREET ; 
COVENT-GARDEN. 



1814. 
[Price Two Shillings.] 



Pi? 1-6 41 

.Us lis 






Hondo*: Printed by B.»*fMiW«B» J 
Bow Sfrr#et, Covwit GtfMs*. ^ 



^ 



TO 

A FRIEND, 

AT WHOSE SUGGESTION, 

AND 

ON WHOSE PLAN, 

THE FOLLOWING 

BAGATELLE WAS WRITTEN, 

IT 18 

MOST CORDIALLY INSCRIBED. 



PERSONS REPRESENTED. 



Zeyn Alasnam, Mr. I. Wallack, 

Morabec, Mr. Gattie. 

Kilrooney, Mr. Johnstone. 

Boubikir Moussin, Mr. Oxberry. 

Pandac, Mr. G. Smith. 

Cobad, Mr. Chatterley 

Iman, ....« Mr. Maddocks. 

Nadan, Mr. Cooke. 

Korac, Mr. Jamieson. 

Mahmud, .. Mr. J. West. 

Huissier, Mr. Buxton. 

Danhasch, , Mr. Evans. 

Citizen, Mr. Ebsworth. 

Nouraddin, ... e Mr. Hughes. 

Asdrael, ^. Mr. Waldegrave, 

Nobles — Citizens — Priests — Guards ,' Sfc. 

Namouna, or Norah, Miss Kelly. 

Mosca, ..„ Mrs. Bland. 

Aleolomb, .., Miss Boyce. 

Gulna, Miss Tidswell. 



Ladies of the Court, Src. 



THE NINTH STATUE; 

OR; 

THE IRISHMAN IN BAGDAD. 



ACT I. 

SCENE I. 

A Magnificent Palace, 



(Zeyn on a Throne, surrounded by a most brilliant 
Court — -feasting, gaming , and dancing, height- 
ened by every possible degree of elegant Embel- 
lishment and Decoration, are gaily going for- 
ward). 

CHORUS. 

Blithe harp, sweet lute, and cymbal shrill, 

Blend with the trumpet's lordly tone ; 
Merry song and dance the measure fill, 
And wine 
Combine, 
Dull thought to kill. 
Who Pleasure's reign 
Would here maintain, 
Must surly Care disown. 

Zeyn. (Starting from his seat). Peace, peace I 
unmeaning flatterers ! — too late I wake from the 
ingLorious trance in which luxury and pleasure 

B 



6 THE NINTH STATUE. 

(falsely named) have luU'd me- and ye, delusive 
ministers of folly, ho<v have ye sullied my re- 
nown ! Plow am I degraded by having listened 
to your pernicious adulation ! 

Pand. (Boiving to the ground). Highest of the 
high ! greatest of the great ! mightiest of the 
mighty ! your slaves have but presumed to' point 
out the path of pleasure, and only preceded you 
to scatter it with roses. 

Zeyn. Thorns ! — tempters, thorns ! The path 
you pointed led me to perdition ; and while your 
lying measures have, for years, sang of my riches 
infinite, my power unlimited, my people's love, 
how has one day (with terror- beaming truth) 
dispelFd the fatal mist ! My treasury drain'd, 
my viziers plotting to overthrow my power; and 
my people — yes, that people you told me would 
die for me, in foul commotion risen, have aim'd 
a dagger at their Sovereign's life, which but for a 
stranger's valour — not your's, base horde of syco- 
phants 1 — had this day fallen a sacrifice ! 

rand. The tumult is appeas'd, victorious Sir. 

Zeyn. Hence, slave ! conduct, and with all ho- 
nour, my preserver hither. [Exit Pandac. 

(Zeyn comes forward). 

— Powerful Prophet, assist me to avoid the fear- 
ful precipice, to the brink of which vice has led 
me ; and let my first act of gratitude, for this 
day's preservation, be to shower favours on the 
instrument thou hast chosen for my safeguard. 
Yes, this brave foreigner shall rejoice in the ser- 
vice he has done me. 

Enter Kilrooney, in a superb Robe, conducted 
with great respect by Pandac and Guards. 

Pand. The valourous preserver of the Prince 



THE NINTH STATUE. 7 

of Princes, seeks the lowest step of thy august 
throne, and solicits the high honour of placing 
his humble head beneath thy lofty footstool. 

Kil. That's a great big bouncer, by St. Pa- 
trick ! a descendant of the Kings of Munster 
knows the use of a head a little better than that 
comes to. 

Zeyn. The truly brave disdain such servile 
customs. Stranger, say, how can I do thee good? 
That robe of honour ranks thee with the high- 
est ; henceforth be thou the Captain of my Guard ; 
in return, I do not ask the homage of the knee, 
but of the heart. 

Kil. That's the very commodity I love to deal 
in — in my country, there's not a king in Christen- 
dom can make us kneel — but when they go the 
right way here (laying his hand on his heart), 
they get hearts by wholesale, and the blessings 
of a free people by bushels into the bargain. 

Zeyn. What is your name, brave man ? 

Kil. Mr. Kilrooney, your Highness. 

Zeyn. Where is your country ? 

Kil. I hope it's somewhere in Ireland, for 
there I left it many years ago. If your Majesty 
happens to know the town of Ballymaroon, a 
little to the right of Kfllmurrymacmahon, county 
of Clare, province of Munster, kingdom of Ire- 
land, you come slap upon the place at once. 

Zeyn. Your rank, or profession ? 

Kil. Its little of rank I could boast, till this 
robe of your Majesty's made me a Pelisse Officer. 
As to profession, I was a Devil among the lite- 
rary men at college. 

Zeyn. A devil ! 

Kil. A printer's devil ! 

Zeyn. Oh, a poet ? 

Kil. A— -a — sort of composing-stick. — I should 
b 2 



8 THE NINTH STATUE ; 

have done very well, but a pretty girl made a proof 
impression on my heart, which, thro' a little ty~ 
pographical error, produced a. second edition of her- 
self, for which my master was going to give me a 
great bating, but I corrected the compositor, and 
got fairly distributed out of the family. 

Zeyn. I partly understand you, but your foreign 
accent makes it hard to — 

Kil. I thought it very hard myself, your High- 
ness — so I set out on sarvice with a gentleman who 
determined to go to the end of some Egyptian 
stream to find out the beginning of it !— We left 
the Liffey, the Wye, the Tweed, the Thames, 
and the Shannon, to be swallowed up by the mouth 
of the Nile ; parted company in the bed of a river, 
and the thought of that unlucky sheet of water 
has been a wet blanket to me ever since. 

Zeyn, Your cares are over — bless the good ge- 
nius who brought you to my dominions. 

Kil. The worst day's work he ever did. 

Zeyn. How ! to save my life ? 

Kil. No — to lose my daughter ! her mother, 
the poor girl I just told your Highness of, followed 
me to Alexandria ; we set up a coffee-house, and 
made whisky : long life to your Prophet for pro- 
hibiting wine— it sent all the hometans for a drop 
of the creature, and out of pure religion they got 
drunk for the sake of sobriety— we had great luck — 
I buried my wife, and turned soldier, beat our ene- 
mies out of Egypt, and came here to follow the 
same trade, when some of your Highness's black 
guards popp'd my daughter into your bird-cage for 
ladies. 

Zeyn. The traitorous slave you kilPd in my 
defence, brought here, some weeks ago, a fasci- 
nating female — can she be your daughter ? 



THE NINTH STATUE. 9 

KiL That she can, if your Majesty pleases to 
let me have a peep at her. 

Zeyn. She is beautiful as an angel. 

KiL You may tell that by the family like- 
ness — she was brought up by our Ambassador's 
Lady, who taught her three tongues, and all 
other female accomplishments ; if I had twenty 
tongues they could never tell half the duty and 
beauty I have found in my dear Nora. 

Zeyn. Yes— 'tis her name. — Nora's my destin'd 
wife. 

KiL You've a few already. She's a true Irish 
girl — and may be the hundred and fiftieth part of 
a husband might be more than she'd like to accept. 

Zeyn. I am not used to have my will disputed 
- — she shall be sole Sultaness, and when the son 
of many Sultans offers her his hand — 

KiL The daughter of many a Munster Monarch 
will know what's due to her dignity. 

Zeyn. That shall be tried — lead to the women's 
apartments — father, follow. 

[Exit Zeyn, attended. 

KiL They've a mighty easy way of increasing 
a family here. — I cut off an assassin's head, and 
so become father to a Sultan. 

Pand. Favourite of wisdom, child of valour, 
Sidi Ben Solomon, son of a fortunate star, thy 
slave attends thee to thy daughter Namouna. 

KiL I'm no son of Ben Solomon's, I know 
nothing of the stars, and my daughter's name's 
not Moony. 

Pand. Whoever the Sultan honours with a 
robe, receives a title with it. 

KiL Indeed — then the next time I have new 
clothes, let the taylor be by at the measuring — for I 
have the honour to be an Irishman, and when my 
countrymen are rewarded for fighting in foreign 



10 THE NINTH STATUE. 

lands, they never get a robe or a title that does not 
fit the wearer. \_Exit 9 attended. 

SCENE II. 

The Seraglio, 
Enter Namouna, and Musca. 

Musca. Nay, my dear Namouna, only hear me. 

Nam. Don't call me Namouna — my name is 
Nora. 

Musca. But our great master wills it. He loves 
you, and, in spite of all you say, you love him. 

Nam. Upon my honour, I don't do any such 
thing. 

Musca. Yes, you do. (Archly). 

Nam. (Mimicking her) — No, I don't. 

Musca. It's a very difficult matter to hide love 
from one who has suffered by it as I have. 

Nam. As you have, Musca ? 

Musca. Yes— I've been in love five times — and 
yet never had the good fortune to get a husband. 

Nam. And, if you never do, a heart that can 
love so many, will never break with disappoint- 
ment. 

Musca. Well, if one's false another's true — so 
do you love the Sultan as fast as you can — he'll 
make a Queen of you. 

Nam. I know him, Musca, at least I think I 
do ; and be assured, that till quite certain of the 
attachment of its object, I did not yield my heart. 

Musca. O, it is gone then ? 

Nam. No, it is not gone ; but — well then, my 
dear merry little Musca, I won't attempt to keep 
a secret any longer from you, with which you are 
already acquainted. 



THE NINTH STATUE. 11 

Musca. Thank'ye for yonr confidence ; and 
now, pray, why not accept the Sultan's hand ? 

Nam. I will accept nothing till he finds my poor 
father, as he has promised ; and but for that pro- 
mise I should not have remained so quietly — be- 
sides, tho' born of humble parents, I was taught 
by a woman of most exalted mind, and the me- 
mory of her lessons tells me, that in this case 
the Sultan's station renders love a weakness on his 
part, and a presumption on mine. 

Muse. Well, I have no notion of, such distinc- 
tions, for little Cupid once whisper'd to me — 

Nam. Cupid! — what, himself! — how came he 
here ? 

Mus. Oh, he came in a d-ream, Namouna. 

BALLAD.— Musca. 

While 1 sat thinking of one who is fat away, 
Love ! like a dove, flew down close by my side. 

Shook his soft pinions, and shot like a star away ; 
When he was gone, I a letter espied. 

ii Time, place, or rank," it said, " ne'er willsubdue 

a My love ; then love him, love, whoever lov'd you.'* 

But I was griev'd to find, 'twas but a dream I had, 

From which reluctantly soon I awoke: 
Yet the same letter, in truth, it shou'd seem I had 

Placed haply by me, by some one in joke, 
" Time, place, or rank, &c. J * 

Nam. I remember your having that dream. 

Musca. You remember ! how cou'd you remem- 
ber it ? 

Nam. You talk'd in your sleep — so we wrote 
the verse you dream'd of, and popp'd it under your 
pillow — but, Musca, remember, that to all but 
you, even to the man I love, my passion is a se- 
cret — if you betray me— 



12 THE NINTH STATUE. 

Mus. Me ! it's as safe — (Trumpets) — Hark! 
'tis his Highness. (Flourish). 

Enter Zeyn, preceded by Nobles and Officers — • 
he waves his hand — they retire a little back — 
the Ladies make their obeisances — Muse a goes 
off— Namouna is brought back by Zeyn.) 

' Zeyn, Namouna ! nay, do not fly a friend — a 
lover that adores you. 

Nam. Why should I stay ? 

Zeyn. I have a present for you. 

Nam. I have received too many — one alone 
would make me happy, and that one you with- 
hold. 

Zeyn. Name it. 

Nam. My freedom. 

Zeyn. Cruel girl ! you would use it to fly your 
lover ? 

Nam. Yes, to seek my father, whom you have 
not yet found for me. In spite of all the splen- 
dours that surround me, I cannot forget that it is 
in his presence only I ought to listen to a suitor's 
voice — till then, no offers, no compulsion shall 
induce me. 

Zeyn. Compulsion ! Do you think so meanly 
of me ? Say, then, that in your father's presence 
you'll accept my vows, and — 

Nam. Well! 

Zeyn. And he shall come and hear them. 

Nam. (Joyfully) Shall he ! 

Zeyn. This instant — now, what says Namouna ? 

Nam. I say — I say that — I hardly know what 
to say, I'm so delighted. 

KiL (Without) Which way — where is she ? 

Nam. 'Tis his voice ! {He enters— she rushes 
into his arms)— My dear, dear father ! 

Kil. My dear girl ! — alive, and well ! — Och, 



THE NINTH STATUE. 13 

t under and turf! — tell me, tell me, tell me, only 
tell me, has the son of a Sultan respected the ho- 
nour of the descendant of an Irish Monarch ? 

Nam. (Tenderly) The protection of his High- 
ness has united the respect of a Prince with the 
affectionate regard of a brother. 

Kil. The blessing of every saint in the calen- 
dar upon the friend of my child ! 

Zeyn. Namouna ! this day your father sav'd my 
life. 

Nam. Heaven bless him for that ! 

Kil. Yes, and six weeks ago he returned the 
obligation, in taking care of you — many thanks 
to your Highness — long life to you ! Curtsey 
to the ground, my darling ; take your leave like 
an ambassador's lady, honey. We'll just show 
the polished manners of our country, and be off 
before you can say — 

Zeyn. (To Namouna) Will you then leave me ? 

Nam. Father, the Sultan would make me think 
he loves me ; nay, he has offer'd for my sake to 
dismiss every other female from his Court ; but 
the duty he owes his people, and the love I bear 
to you, forbid it. 

Kil. Right, my love— its exactly what your 
poor dear mother always told you — " Honey," 
says she, for the dear soul had a devil of a brogue, 
— " never accept the hand of a man when it's out 
of your reach." — Besides, your Highness may 
make oath that she can never be yours without 
disgrace to one of you. 

Zeyn. Disgrace ! 

Kil. Would you disgrace her, by making her 
your mistress ? 

Zeyn. Never ! 

Kil. Then you shall never disgrace so good a 
fellow as yourself, by making her your wife. Ex- 

c 



14 THE NINTH STATUE. 

case my freedom, your Majesty ; but this is the 
very thing your people are running mad about. 
You must please and pacify 'em by marrying the 
rich daughter of some ould royal hero like your- 
self, who, as we say in Ireland., will put an ele- 
gant leg of pork in the family pipkin to-day, 
while you are paying for' a beautiful bit of beef 
for to-morrow ; besides, I once read at our print- 
ing-office, that it is the greatest happiness of a 
king to be miserable for the good of his subjects ; 
and yours are at this moment offering you all the 
advantages of your situation. 

Nam. (Anxiously) Has any Princess offer'd ? 

Zeyn. Yes, and if for your sake I reject her — 

Nam. Such a proof of your generosity would 
be an additional obligation on me to respect your 
real happiness : then banish from your recollec- 
tion a girl who loves too well your glory, to sacri- 
fice it to a selfish thought. 

KiL That bit of glory has saved the honour of 
both families. 

Zeyn. Would you see me die ? 

KiL As for that, your Highness, I don't be- 
lieve that any creature living on the face of the 
earth ever died for love. 

Zeyn. Namouna, for your sake I will renounce 
this hated splendour, held on such hard condi- 
tions — retire with thee to humble happiness — 
with Namouna only it is to be found, and her affec- 
tions can alone inspire me to regain the affections 
of my people. [Exit. 

KiL That man loves like a Prince, and you 
have rejected him like a Princess! Do you think 
you could make a Christian of him ? 

Nam. Why not ? Solyman the Great married, 
and was converted by a Christian slave. 

KiL But you are no slave, and he's no Solo- 
men ; besides, he comes of fine ould Eastern ori- 



THE NINTH STATUE. 15 

gin — his father was a Grand Turk, and his mo- 
ther a Tartar ; and shall the son of a great Khan 
marry the daughter of a whisky marchant, who 
never had a khan in his family ? 

Nam. True ; if he were poor, or didn't wear a 
diadem, there would be some hope. 

Kil. Then hope the best, for his crown's half 
off his head. His people are in a d — d passion 
with him, and all his friends have left him. 

Nam. If all' his friends have left him, I can 
prove I did not love his grandeur, but himself : 
stay with him, father, and I will stay with you. 

Kil. Stay with him ! that I will ; but we must 
shift our quarters, and, when we get out, to pre- 
vent your being taken up, for being a beauty any 
more, you shall dress like — yes — I'll make a 
a man of you ! I'm promoted myself — I'm Cap- 
tain of the Guards. — I'll make a bustle among 'em 
—I'll teach them tactics, and make 'em cut six 
with the devil to 'em — I'm to have thumping pay 
and head-quarters ; and bad luck betide him, who 
has rich remuneration, without doing something 
in return before he receives it. \_Exit. 

Nam. Well, I'll follow my father, and think 
no more of the Sultan. I wish him well, tho'— 
very well — may he prosper, and be happy ! but as 
to being his wife, my dear ambassador's lad^y 
often sung a ditty, which shewed .the clanger of 
unequal matches. 

SONG. — Namouna. 

Edwin was a lord of land, 
Marian a finish'd beauty; 
Allan offer'd heart and hand, 

The prudent fair denied. 
Edwin bore the prize away, 
For riches in her breast had sway, 
And love-struck Allan, well a -day. 

Broken-hearted, died ! 
C 2 



16 THE NINTH STATUE. 

Time, who every action fries, 
Taught poor Marian this sad lesson, 
Sudden love the soonest Mies : 

Edwin prov'd it true; 
Maids of rank disdain'd his bride, 
E'en Edwin blam'd her former pride, 
Which Marian mourn'd too late, and died, 

Broken hearted too! 

\_Exit. 

SCENE TIL 

Zeyn'j apartment — He is discovered pensively 
seated on a Couch, near a Table full of Papers. 

Zeyn. Still more memorials ! more petitions ! 
and even stern remonstrances ! — How then to 
satisfy these boisterous claimants ! My treasury 
completely drained. Money alone can cure the 
countless ills my follies have created — Vexation 
and fatigue oppress me — Oh, sleep ! sleep ! thou 
rare visitant of royalty, grant me a moment's re- 
spite from my cares, and let my dreams be of my 
dear Namouna. 

(Music — He reclines on the Couch — the Pa- 
vilion groivs dark, and Asdrael, the King 
of the Genii, in a brilliant Cloud, appears, 
and speaks). 
Asd. The Spirit of thy Father instructs thee 
thro' this form — -Arise, my son, remove the 
marble tablet beneath thy feet, descend, and 
make a better use of what thou'lt find, than thou 
hast hitherto of treasures wasted. — Awake ! be 
wise ! nor doubt a father's blessing: ! 

(Music — the Genius disappears — Zeyn rises; 
looks around — doubts his being aivake* — 
sees the Tablet — and, with his Scymetar 
essays to raise it ,• with difficulty succeeds — 
sees a Ring — pulls it — a Stone rises, and 



THE NINTH STATUE. 17 

discovers a Staircase — he bows in thankful 
submission to the Spirit of his Father, lights 
a Torch, and descends). . 

SCENE IV. 

A Hall filled with Vases of Treasure — Eight Sta~ 
tues of Diamonds, &c. 

(Music- — Zeyn is seen descending & Spiral Stair- 
case — Examines the Gold and Diamonds ; above 
all, the Statu es~— finds a Ninth Pedestal un- 
occupied, and a Scroll near it, which he reads) . 

" You cannot be completely happy, nor possess 
" these Eight Statues, till you find the Ninth. 
ec Morabec. a beneficent magician, formerly your 
61 father's slave, w ill teach you to obtain it." 

(Music. Zeyn takes part of the Treasures 
in the folds of his Robe — signifies that he 
will seek the Ninth Statue, takes the Scroll 
with him, and while he is ascending the 
Staircase, the Scene closes). 

SCENE V. 
A Court -yard. 

Enter Pandac, with Nad an, Kokac, Mahmud, 
and other Citizens. 

Cit. No Zeyn ! No Sultan ! down with him ! 

Pand. Gentlemen ! he's a bad man : but hear 
reason — don't depose your Sultan, till you have 
appointed a successor — that will be me. (Aside.) 

Nad. We will depose him — he's unfit to reign — 
the neighbouring Sultan is rich, and can pay his 
servants — he shall be King. 

Pan. If I was Sultan, you should all be rich- 
there should be no working for any of you. 



18 THE NINTH STATUE. 

Kor. &c. Hear him, hear him, hear him ! 

Band. You should have nothing to do but to 
cat, drink, and sleep. 

Nad. Brave Pandac ! Good Pandac ! 

Pand. And for my own part, I should neither 
eat, drink, nor sleep, for every moment of my 
life should be employ'd in studying the welfare 
and happiness of my people. 

Mak. Choose Pandac Sultan ! Pandac for ever 1 

Pand. Hush ! the late Sultan's coming — Hear 
what my predecessor dare say for himself. 

Kor. No, no, we will not hear him. 

Enter Zeyn and Six Nobles. 

Pand. Your Highness — - 

Cit. No Highness 1 

Pand. Sir, you are accused of wasting the pub- 
lic treasure. 

Mak. Yes, yes, the public treasure. 

Zeyn. The public coffers I have emptied, that 
I might have the pleasure of filling them from 
my privates stores, which it is now time to dis- 
play : my treasurers are ready to answer every 
paltry demand that can be defrayed by gold — to 
remunerate faithful friends, I have diamonds — 
(Sheius some large ones) — You (to Pandac), are 
above reward — Look here, my friends — but you 
may wish to imitate your leader. 

Cit. No, no ! he's an impostor ! a cheat ! 
Zeyn for ever ! down with the would-be Sultan, 

Enter Kilrooney and Guards. 

Kil. Don't down with any body, till I come 
np— I never had the honour to head my troop 
before, so stand clear, or the first charge I make 
shall be at the expence of somebody. 

Zeyn. Viziers and Omrahs, attend my orders 
in the Divan. I am provided with means to pay 
the public debts, and woe to those whose mal- 



THE NINTH STATUE. 19 

-practices have seduced you to doubt the integrity 
of your Sovereign. (Chiefs and Citizens bow, and 
go off.) , 

Panel. (Most obsequiously) — Most elevated of 
the sons of men ! 

Zeyn. Take that servile wretch into custody— - 
(To Kilrooney^ — away with him — (goes up Stage). 

Pand. (To KilrooneyJ. Illustrious warrior ! — 

Kil. Don't call names, ould Whisker-chops. 

Pand. If a natural wish to rise has misled me — 

Kil. Its very unnatural to rise by kicking down 
the ladder you got up by — but the ladder remains, 
and up you go. 

Pand. Consider what my prospects were. 

Kil. Nothing to the prospect you'll have from 
the very top of the tree, when your own compli- 
ments will be return'd, and all the people shall 
call you the most elevated among the sons of men. 
March! — (Pandac is taken off) — The Captain of 
your Majesty'sguardshasthe honour to inform you, 
that every thing is quiet in the other quarters 
of the cicy. 

Zeyn. Come hither — (leads him forward) — Na- 
mouna now need not fear my destiny — the love 
of my subjects, lost through thoughtlessness, I re- 
gain without desert — the Prophet has given me 
means, which ages of economy could not have 
produced. — To compleat my happiness,! must take 
a short tour, and wish some trusty friend to ac- 
company me. 

Kil. Eyes right, your Highness ! 

Zeyn. But your daughter. 

Kil. She'll love you as long as she lives — and 
as a proof, she won't marry — 

Zeyn. How ! 

Kil. You or any body else, till your Counsellors 
and people give leave— besides, if she marries a 
Turk, you'll never live together like Christians. 



20 THE NINTH STATUE. 

Zeyn. My mother was a Christian, and — but as 
we travel you shall hear all — I go to meet the 
Divan — follow me— (Going). 

KiL Your Majesty's orders shall be obey'd ; 
but with submission and respect, I've a beautiful 
little boy, a page — in short, as much my own 
child as Namouna; and if you wou'd but allow 
him to go wid us— 

Zeyn. A brother of Namouna must be dear to 
me; but we shall have to speak of secrets. 

KiL He's deaf. 

Zeyn. Which, should they be reveaFd— 

KiL He's dumb. 

Zeyn. The fatigue of the way— 

KU. I'll carry him. 

Zeyn. In short, let him stay with his sister. 

KiL Well, well, his sister and he shall never 
be separated. 

Zeyn. 'Tis well— dismiss your guard, and fol- 
low me. [Exit, attended. 

KiL Ahem! Attention! — Centredivision — come 
down on both sides of me— vastly well, vastly well, 
vastly well ! — I have it in command from his High- 
ness to inform you, that— that gentleman's tur- 
ban is a little out of line there — that I am going 
to give myself leave of absence for six and thirty 
hours and a half,— and if, while I'm away, I see 
any of you here neglecting your duty — discipline's 
the word — but if you're all good soldiers — I won't 
stay till I come back before I bring ye honours and 
rewards by the bundle.— Now read the roll-call, 
and then about your business. 

Cobad. (The serjeant.) Abdalla ! 

1 Sold. Here. 
Cob. Selim ! 

2 Sold Here. 
Cob. Mustapha! 



THE NINTH STATUE. 21 

Kil. I'll put every absent man that don't an- 
swer, upon the forlorn hope. 

Cob. Please you, Sir, Mustapha ask'd leave to 
be married — he is but twenty- two, and has only 
three wives. 

Kil. Three wives ! then he's on the forlorn 
hope already ! 

Cob. Aly ! Absent on furlough — Chebib ! Gone 
to 

Kil. It's no use talking to a set of men that are 
not here. — Hark'ye, soldiers, I'll just tell you what 
it is I expect from ye — 

SONG. — Kilrooney. 

Now, without 
Any doubt 
You're about 
To find out. 
If you list to my mode of explaining, 
How I'll keep you all jogging. 
No soul ever flogging, 
For that's the best method of training. 
To all and to each, 
While I preach 
I shall teach, 
What will make ye genteeler and bolder ; 
On my plan, 
A rattan 
Will ne'er fall on a man 
If his duty he learns like a soldier: 
With a r*r*row de clow whack, 
Shoulder arms in a crack, 
Expert and alert like a soldier. 

Chorus. 
With a row de dew, &c. 

When war's alarms heightning, 
Swords brightning 
Like lightning, 



m THE NINTH STATUE. 

The enemy charging like thunder ; 

Tooth and nail 

Thick as hail — 

Yet let mercy prevail 
The moment you find him knock under i 

And spare all those Turks* lives 

Who have married four wives ; 
The cause — if ye want to be told here— 

Four widows wou'd need 

Consolation indeed. 
Unless pitied by each gallant soldier. 

Then row dedow whack, 

Shoulder arms in a crack— 

No life's like the life of a soldier 

Chouus. 
Then row de dow, &©. 

You must march 
Tho* heat parch, 
Or cold pinch, stiff and starch, 
In search of the foe till you find him % 
From each place 
In disgrace 
Beat, heil ne'er shew his face, 
Except when lie's looking behind Mm I 
In war, line the trenches, 
In peace, love the wenches ; 
They'll make ye politer and bolder : 
Your duty 
To beauty 
Neglect, and I'll shoot ye — 
Who loves not the fair, is no soldier* 
Then row de dow whack, 
Present arms in a crack, 
For beauty's the pride of a soldier I 

Chorus. 

Then row de dow, &c* 



THE NINTH STATUE. 23 

SCENE VL 

A Chamber in Morabec*s House. 
(Morabec and Friends discovered, with Wine)*. 

GLEE. 

1st Voice, Precious cup with joys endow'd; 

2d. Softly pass it, friend, to me : 

3d. Wine, you know, is not allow'd ; 

4th. Then let's drink it silently. 

All. Put it round — never think — 

Pass it quick about : 
'Tis a heavy sin to drink- 
But worse to be found out. 

[Three loud knocks are heard at the Door — 
they hide their Bottles, &c. under the cloth 
of the low table round ivhich they sit on 
cushions. 

{ Music ).— An Attendant admits Zeyn, in a plain 

Dress. 

Mor. Who interrupts the councils of Morabec, 
Lord of the Sultan's slaves, and the richest citi- 
zen of Balsora? 

Zeyn. Zeyn Alasnam, son of Mahomed Ben 
Aly, whose memory is in the hearts of his chil- 
dren. 

Mor. The son of my master is welcome to the 
mansion of his slave — the splendor of the house of 
Aly illuminates its descendants, and joy accom- 
panies their footsteps. 

Zeyn. What if the son of Aly has forfeited his 
people's confidence, and ventures, a proscribed 
wanderer, to ask the protection of those he once 
commanded ? 

D 2 



24 THE NINTH STATUE. 

Mor. Deign to taste this fruit — ('gives a peach). 
I am not so rigid in some points as the Prophet's 
laws exact, but I believe a heavy curse will overtake 
the wretch that dare betray a guest who, by eating 
at his table, lays claim to the sacred hospitality of 
his roof. 

Zeyn. Enough 1 good, honourable man, for- 
give this trial of thy worth — thy master's son yet 
lives in the warm sun-shine of prosperity. Kneel, 
Morabec, and rise no more a slave — thou art free ! 
- — (He kneels — he waves Ids sabre over him).*— 
Behold this writing — 

(Sheivs the Scroll he took from the Ninth 
Pedestal). 

Mor. With respectful reverence I trace the 
sacred characters. Yes, my Prince, the Ninth 
Statue is reserved for thee — the circumspection 
thou hast just now used, leads me to hope that 
courage and constancy will win thee what thou 
seekest. 

KiL (Without) Your Highness, your Highness ! 

Mor. Myself, and one man only, may be pre- 
sent, when I invoke the Genius who will help 
thee to thy wish. 

Zeyn. I have a friend at hand, worthy as thou 
art — Enter ! 

(Kilrooney leads in Namouna in boy's clothes). 

KiL I'm here — -and here's your page too. 

Mor. I have already said that one man only— 

Nam. Sir ! 

Mor. I see — my art tells me that this stripling 
will be no hindrance ! 

KiL His honour's a conjuror — -he knows a boy 
from a man. 

Mor. Yet one word more, my Sovereign — this 
way. 

KiL (To Morabec) Sir, Sir,. Sir, Sir, Sir ! — 
begging pardon, Sir, would you just take the 



THE NINTH STATUE. 95 

liberty to ax us travellers to be eating a mouth- 
ful, while you -spake to our master- — (Morabec 
points to the Table, and exit with Zevn). Och, the 
mannerly magician ! Sit down, my dear daughter, 
and eat like a man— here's peaches and rigs, dates, 
grapes, dried fishes, and Turkey rhubarb tarts in 
abundance — and then for drink (tastes the sherbet, 
and spits it out)— ho. may be a great conjuror, but 
he has a d- d bad notion of brewing, — If I had 
made no better whisky in Egypt, I d have been 
a Whereas in the Grand Cairo Gazette. 

Nam. Water will do for me, father. 

Kil. And it would have done for me long ngo, 
if I had been fool enough to drink it — a single 
bottle of that element, well cork'd, would serve 
me for my life — I never could live upon water but 
when I was on shipboard.— This man's no magi- 
cian — give me a sorcerer to fill my cup,— one 
that would clap his wand on the table, say some- 
thing soft in wild Irish or Arabic, lift up the 
cloth with a cockolorum (Lifts it up), and — Och, 
murder ! murder 1 murder ! talk of ihe devil, and 
it's done to my hand (Finds the Wine, smells to 
it, and hesitates). — 'Tis as well to try by degrees, 
and see whether it mayn't have been mull'd in his 
sable Majesty's warm wine cellar (Tastes it).— 
Gch, delightful ! drink, drink my darling, and 
nevermind the toast — we'd drink nobody's health 
that's out of the room, till he comes back to 
thank us for it. 

Re-enter Zeyn, ivith Morabec in a Robe, and 

with a JVand. 
Och, your Highness ! 

Mor. Peace! In respectful silence w r e must 
wait the oracle the King of the Genii will deli- 
ver — Within this circle you are safe (Draws a 
circle of fire round Zeyn) — To stir beyond its 
bound, or speak, were fatal. By the sacred seal 



26 THE NINTH STATUE. 

of Solyman, and the mysterious word thereon en- 
graved — by the light of the sun — the reflected 
splendour of the crescent— the air of the morn- 
ing — the waters of the ocean, and the fire of the 
volcano, I charge thee, Asdrael, King of the im- 
mortal Genii, to appear. 
Nam. Father, I tremble. 
Kil. Fear nothing — I've a drop left in the bot- 
tle for both. 
Mor. Silence ! 

(Waves his Wand — Music — a Cloud Jills the 
Apartment — dissipates — shews a Lake, 
from which a Pavilion rises, composed of 
Fire and Water — Asdrael and his Attend- 
ants are seen — he speaks), 
Asd. I know thy prayer ; attend to the condi- 
tions on which it will be granted, and swear to 
obey them. — Do not hesitate — they contain no- 
thing against the Prophet's law — swear confidently, 
or forego thy hopes — (He swears in action). To 
obtain the Ninth Statue, thou must bring, within 
twenty days, a young and beautiful virgin for my 
future bride.— She must be so strictly virtuous, 
that even in thought she must be pure. — -(Zeyn ex- 
presses doubt) — I understand thy doubts. — Thou 
seest at thy feet a mirror — {an arm'd hand rises, and 
presents it) — The female who looks therein, if she 
has erred, even in fancy, will sully its bright sur- 
face. Purity alone can there see itself reflected. 
-—Swear then to bring me such a maiden, when 
thou shalt find her, and that inestimable treasure, 
the richest of the earth, the Ninth Statue, shall 
be thine — fail to fulfil thine oath, and a dread- 
ful death awaits thee. 

(Zeyn respectfully takes the Mirror, joiyis 
Morabec in making obeisance to the Ge- 
nius—the Temple descends, and the Scene 
closes to appropriate Music). 

END OF ACT I. 



THE NINTH STATUE, 27 

ACT II 

SCENE I. 

A beautiful Garden, in the Eastern Style. 
Enter. Kilrooney and Namouna. 

Nam. So the prince told you in confidence, 
that unless by means of the mirror he should dis- 
cover — 

Kil. Hush ! the poor weak, fond, foolish father 
has let slip the secret to none but you, and — fie 
upon you ! — when did you hear me talk about a 
thing I was entrusted with ? 

Nam. It seems an endless search — we have 
been travelling nearly three weeks — and are now 
on the 19th day in Bagdad. — Has he never ex- 
pressed a wish I should try the glass ? 

Kil. Why, if you should come off no better 
than the thirteen hundred and sixty-seven ladies 
who have tried it before'you, it would be a mighty- 
provoking thing for all of us. 

Nam. But if I should be victorious, and come 
off with honour — 

Kil. Then off she'd go to that beast of a Ge- 
nius, which is more than I have told her 
(Aside.) — You see, my love, my life, my pet, the 
Prince mustn't have any love for the lady who 
tries the mirror, or else he loses the Ninth 
Statue. 

Nam. But, father, now my dear, dear — you 
remember all the pretty names you just now call'd 
me ? 

Kil Well? 



§8 THE NINTH STATUE. 

Nam. Well, I'm not going to coax you, but— 
you look so well in that robe and turban, that— 
I'm sure you will — 

Kil. Don't be wheedling me out of any thing I 
won't do for you. 

Nam. No, but I know what you will do — you'll 
just borrow the glass for a moment — and — 

Kil. Oho 1 here's woman's curiosity peeping 
out in spite of the breech es— Don't you want to 
be meddling with edge-tools — To find you what I 
already believe you, by means of that glass, 
wou'd sartainly be a pleasure to please on re- 
refieclion— but then if theweathershouldbe damp, 
and a little tinge of mist upon the surface should 
give you a foggy reputation, the sunshine of your 
father's joy would set in a cloud of sorrow, which 
all the rain from his eyes wou'd never wash away. 

Nam. It's all very well ; you cease to love me ; 
I don't mind the Prince's doubts— I can de- 
spise them, but when my best friend, my parent, 
withdraws his confidence from a once- beloved 
child— -his dear Nora's child too, she has only to — 

Kit. What? 

Nam. To break her heart— unless he — ah, ah, 
ha ! ha ! you are only joking— I know you'll get 
me a sight of the glass after all. 

Kil. Dear, dear, clear ! dear, dear, dear ! from 
the time I sold whisky, did I ever refuse you a 
glass, or any thing that wou'dn't be for your good ? 
there's no knowing how things might turn out — 
do you know, I looked in the glass myself, and 
it made a devil of me ! and would you wish to be 
a better man than your father ? 

Nam. No — but — if you don't like to ask for it, 
perhaps you may allow me to try to — to get it. 

Kil. No — if it must be so, the sin shall be my 
own ; but don't tell me the upshot, unless it's in 



THE NINTH STATUE. 29 

your favour ; for then your silence will save me 
from knowing that a female descendant of the 
Kings of Munster sought virtue in a looking- 
glass, and found nothing more than a copy of her 
countenance. [Exit. 

Nam. Oh dear ! I begin to be frighten'd — 
if I shouldn't be a good girl after all— I've a 
great mind to call him back — yet why am I 
alarm'd ? — she who fears the trial, must be un- 
worthy of it ; and the face that is unconscious of 
the blush of shame, should never shrink at en- 
countering its own image. [Exit. 

SCENE II, 
A Market-place, and Entrance to a Mosque. 

{Trumpets.— A Huissier proclaims to the People). 

Huiss. Children of the Faithful, avoid the pub- 
lic path, while the Vizier's beauteous daughter- 
passes to the mosque. [Exit. 

(Music. — Alcolomb, Gulna, Danhasch, and La- 
dies, cross, and enter the Mosque in procession 
— then Calendars, Priests, and Dervises, two 
and two, precede Boubikir Moussin, who, when 
in the centre, stops and speaks). 

Boub. (Pointing to Zeyn, who crosses to the 
Mosque.) Brethren, do you note that man ? — he 
has been some weeks in Bagdad — his wealth and 
his extravagance are beyond compute — (Kilrooney 
crosses, stops, and listens). 

Iman. Truly, most learned Boubikir Moussin, 
he hath done many liberal acts. 

Boub. What hath he given to our Order ?— 
the Convent of Dervises has not been deemV] 
worthy his notice. 



30 THE NINTH STATUE. 

Iman. If things go on so, enlighten'd teacher, 
we shall sink into simple insignificance. 

Boub. We shall, and quickly — Go fetch the 
Cadi and his Officers ; for 1 can prove that wine 
was last night privately carried to their place of 
lodging — that is a lusty fine ; — besides, they have 
neglected to enter their names and qualities, and 
that's another. [Exit Iman and Priests. 

Kiliiooney comes forward. 

Kil. Now to bother the clargyman — Ould gen- 
tleman, could you do me the favour to tell me 
which is the house of the enlighten'd and delect- 
able Doctor Boubikir Moussin ? 

Boub. Oho! I know you, Sir 1 — the Doctor 
stands before you ! * 

Kil. I thought so, by your good-natur'd looks. 

Boub. I am but successor to a great man, who 
is gone the way of all flesh — Hark'ye, Sirrah, 
where is the wine you had last night ? 

Kil. It's gone the way of all wine. 

Boub. Shame on you ! — it was vile — bad — very 
bad! 

Kil. Damn'd bad indeed ! — but your Reverence 
is a judge, and perhaps can recommend us to a 
better shop. 

Boub. Then the sums you lavish on improper 
objects — 

Kil. Are shameful — -by the bye, talking of im- 
proper objects, I have it in command to present 
you with this purse of 500 sequins, to pop into 
one of your learned pockets— and then — (Giving 
a Purse). 

Boub. What then ? — 

Kil. Then you may pop the fellow to it in the 
other — (Gives another). 

Boub. Two purses ! — dear, dear, this is vastly 
handsome indeed. (Aside). 



THE NINTH STATUE. Si 



Enter Iman, and Guard. 



Iman. We are ready to seize the strangers — 
this is bne of them. 

Bouh. Be quiet — I intended — 

KiL Yes, I see you intended us a guard of 
honour, which we beg leave to decline. 

Iman. Very likely — but knowing you to be 
enemies to the Caliph — 

Bouh. Who bid you call 'em enemies of the 
Caliph ? — This gentleman and his friends are par- 
ticularly attached to him — I wish we had a few 
more such visitors. — I have seen their credentials, 
and feel the weight of them — abscond ! 

\_Exit Iman, cffc. 
But, see, {To Kilrooney), your beneficent master 
approaches. {They retire). 

Zeyn, entering from the Mosque. 

Vain is the search — this day the period allowed 
me will expire — the awful words of the Genius 
are still thundering in my ears — " Fail to fulfil 
thine oath, and a dreadful death awaits thee!" 

Kil. -(To Boubikir) I'll introduce you — This is 
my master — My Lord, this is the Great Boobi — 
Boobi-cur-Moussim, Captain of the College of — 
in short, he'll introduce himself with the air of 
a Bishop. 

Boub. Illustrious stranger! I have heard that 
some particular pursuit detains you here in Bag- 
dad, and your Lordship's Attendant has just pro- 
duced some very cogent reasons why I should 
assist you. 

Zeyn. I have some time sought in vain a young 
lady, whose thoughts have never wander'd from 
the straight line of virtue. 

Boub. And most likely you will have to seek 
e 2 



32 THE NINTH STATUE. 

some time longer — Let me see, there's our Vi- 
zier's daughter — she's the brightest gem of all 
our city — I have the honour to be in her confi- 
dence, and pernaps may introduce you. 

Zeyn. Wilt thou ?— - Go (To Kilrooney) — has- 
ten for the Mirror ! —(Confers with Boubikir). 

KiL Yes, your Highness, I've put it by safely 
out of the way of my poor girl, and left a com- 
mon glass, just like it, in its place, so that with- 
out risk, she may see her beautiful face as clear 
as crystal. [Exit. 

Bonb. Bless me ! what you tell me of your 
wondrous glass, amazes me indeed ; but have a 
care ! this city's full of snares — I'm old, and well 
acquainted with its vices. 

Zeyn. I dare believe you, father. 

Boub. But see ! the Princess is returning from 
the mosque. 

Re-enter Alcolomb, and Attendants. 

Alco. Behold him! 'tis the charming stranger 
agar., and, as good fortune ordains, with my 
convenient friend the Dervise — I am resolv'd he 
shall be mine. 

Boub. (To Alcolomb) — Palm-tree of the walks 
of virtue! Handmaid of happiness! thy servant 
has been conversing with an extraordinary travel- 
ler, who has imparted some rich additions to my 
store of knowledge — deign to permit him to dis- 
play the wonders of his wisdom before you. 

Alco. Dervise, I am ever anxious to acquire 
knowledge— leave us together. 

Derv. Thy slave is obedient — I'm always obe- 
dient when I'm likely to get any thing by it. 

[Aside, and Exit. 

Alco. Retire all (Her Attendants stand aloof) — > 



THE NINTH STATUE. S3 

Stranger, in the midst of my devotions, I observed 
the earnestness with which you address'd the 
holy Prophet — what was your prayer to him ? 

Zeyn. That which my heart whispers he has 
granted — to meet with such a being as yourself, 
a young and lovely female, perfect in beauty, in- 
nocence, and virtue. 

Alco. Oh, stranger, deem it not a weakness if 
my heart confesses, that the moment I beheld 
you, I felt a soft emotion hitherto unknown — 
still I tremble, lest the poor beauty you are 
pleas' c\ to praise, shou'd disappoint the hope that 
fancy has created. 

{Contrives to open her veil with timid can- 
tio?i 9 and displays her face). 

Zeyn . Heavens ! what beauty ! and can I, can 
I sacrifice, perhaps to a cruel Genius, so exquisite 
a creature ? yet — fatal Vow ! " a dreadful death !" 
The hour will soon be past — my life, my all, de- 
pend upon this moment ! 

. Enter Kilrooney, with the Glass. 

KiL (Apart to Zeyn.) 'Tis here, my Lord, and 
good luck to you at last. 

(Makes a loiv bow to the Lady.) 

Zeyn. Behold this Mirror ; it is ordained, that 
when woman looks therein, unless she be of the 
most perfect virtue, the surface shall be clouded, 
and reflect deformity — but, if she be pure, as 
sure thou art, then shall the glass display her 
heavenly form — and splendour, power and wealth, 
beyond the wish of mortals, shall await her. 

Alco. Ha ! Darest thou then think I fear thy 
foolish test! Come, come, I read thy shallow 
thoughts — thou think'st no woman, thus ap- 
prised by thee, will dare to make the trial — and 
that thou may'st detect them simply by their fears ; 



34 THE NINTH STATUE. 

bat I am arm'd by innocence. Come, I defy 
thee — give me the Mirror. 

Zeyn. The triumph then is thine. 

(Gives her the Glass — she shrieks, staggers 
backward^ and is caught by Kilrooney, 
who saves the Glass from falling — Alco- 
lomb's Attendants run to her assistance — 
Zeyn rushes out in despair). 

Kil. Och, thunder ! there's an end of her 
ladyship's virtuous reputation for ever. [Exit. 

Alco. (Recovering). Betray'd ! expos'd ! and 
publicly abused ! Juggling impostor ! thy triumph 
shall be short ! His death alone can satisfy my 
vengeance. 

Enter Gulna, from the Mosque. 

GuL Lady ! Lady ! 'tis time to be going to the 
palace. 

Alco. It shall be so {Apart), Nurse ; go you 
to the quarter of the city inhabited by strangers 
— find out the traveller with the wondrous Mir- 
ror — say not who sends you, but beguile him to 
my palace —be discreet, and hasten [Exit Gulna. 
Come hither, slave, enquire you at the Bazar, 
for the stranger with the magic glass — entice him 
to my dwelling — as you value your life, be care- 
ful — go — . [Exit Danhasch. 

Re- enter Boubikir. 

— -So, Dervise, you are here ! 

Boub. Handmaid of happiness ! Palm of the 
walks of virtue. 

Alco. Silence ! 

Boub. I'm dumb. 

Alco. The treacherous villain, whom thou 
hast been bribed f no doubt, to bring before me — 



THE NINTH STATUE. 35 

Boub. Bribed ! me bribed ! most peerless pil- 
lar of chastity, thy servant has overheard the in- 
solent slanderer, and comes to revenge the in- 
sult offer'd to the cocoa-nut of purity. 

Alco. He shall die ! 

Boub. With all my hearty gentle flower of 
mercy, I'll go and bring him directly to your house. 

Alco. Do so, good Dervise, I've already sent 
two messengers to seek him ; should they fail, 
you may succeed, and once within the Haram- 
walls, the guard alarm'd, will — 

Boub. That rests with you, sweet bird of Pa- 
radise. The Prophet forbid I should enquire into 
particulars ; and (unless the stranger shews 
weighty reasons to the contrary, (Aside), Boubikir 
Moussin knows how to do his duty — [Exit. 

Alco. By x^llah ! he shall not escape my terrible 
revenge ! — Slaves, follow, and be secret, or dread 
the fate which assuredly awaits this insolent im- 
postor. [Exit, attended, 

SCENE III. 

A View near Bagdad. 

Enter Namouna, ivith another Glass. 

Nam. Well, I have look'd, and look'd, and 
look'd, till the more I look'd, the better I seem'd 
to look — can it be possible, when so many have 
dull'd this Mirror, that I should try it with im- 
punity } Yet it does not make me proud, it 
humbles me— I shan't think half so well of my 
sex, if I am one of the best of them. 

Enter Zeyn and Boubikir. 

Zeyn, Another trial, say you ? 

Boub. Yes, my gratitude will not let me rest— 



56 THE OTNTH STATUE. 

I have thought of a lady I have known from in- 
fancy — so strictly has she been educated, that 
she has never seen a man, myself alone excepted 
— tarry here, in a few minutes I return to fix the 
time for seeing her. , [Exit. 

Zeyn, The fatal moment rapidly approaches. 
But where's my friend ; he has the Mirror, with- 
out which, enquiry were useless. — (Sees Na- 
mouna). Ah, my little page ! Where is your 
father ? What have you got there ? 

Nam. I have got the — the Mirror, my Lord — ■ 
he— my father — 

Zeyn. Has sent you with it. 

Nam. But isn't it hard, my Lord, it should put 
so many beauteous ladies to the blush ? 

Zeyn. Were your* sister here, she, I imagine, 
would not fear the trial. 

Nam. That she wouldn't, my Lord, any more 
than I should. 

Zeyn. Have you courage to attend me with 
that Mirror ? — There will be some hazard. 

Nam. Your safety is an object to put fear out 
of the question, especially when you visit a lady. 

Zeyn. Where — where is my conductor ? 

Nam. You seem impatient for the interview, 
my Lord. 

Zeyn. 'Tis my anxiety to return to your sister. 

Nam. Then why not try her ? 

Zeyn. Were the Ninth Statue nine times what 
it promises, I would not resign her to the King of 
the Genii, for nine thousand times its value — But 
see — the Dervise beckons to speak with me alone 
—wait here a moment. 

(Gives his Cloak to Namouna, and Exit). 

Nam. Generous Prince ! — Yes — he loves me — 
he is certainly a very good, kind, noble-hearted — 
yet I don't like his going to this lady — if she's 
really good, he may fall in love with her without 



THE NINTH STATUE. $7 

wishing it ; and if she is wicked, she may have 
art enough to make him fall in love with her, 
whether he will or no — I've got the glass — I wish 
I could try her my self,— and save him the trouble. 

Enter Danhasch, fivho inquisitively walks round 
Namouna.) 

Nam, Well, what's the matter, friend ? 

Dan. If you, my Lord, are the possessor of a 
certain glass — 

Nam. I am — here it is. 

Dan. A female of lofty birth, who shall be 
nameless, waits with impatience for your speedy 
coming. 

Nam. (Conceitedly) Yes, friend — I know — I— 
poor thing- — is she waiting — Shall I? — -I will — 
(Puts on Zeyn's Cloak.) I'll be there before his 
Highness, and — friend, I go with you — \_Exeunt, 

Enter Kilrooney on the opposite side, with the 
true Mirror. 

Kil, Och, the devil, where have I left my 
dear master the Prince ! My daughter's out of 
the way too; and I'm as much in the dark as 
any of the ladies who have tried this looking- 
glass. He'll get into some damn'd hobble for want 
of it — he won't know a good woman from a bad 
one. This glass bothers the Turks ; but across the 
Channel it would only prove that the daughters of 
Brien Boru knew the behavement of complete 
gentlemen, for Brien was as great a Monarch as 
ever supt buttermilk, and as good a scholar as if 
he had been bred at a Printer's ; and so were all 
his children in the beautiful town of Kilmurry- 
macmahon. 

F 



38 THE NINTH STATUE. 



SONG. KlLROONEY. 

O Kilmurrymacmahon's a place you wou'd bless, 
Where whisky costs nothing, and buttermilk less ; 
And it's near to that same is a neat little spot, 
Where my grand-father's grand-father dwelt in his cot % 
Whose children, from Dennis to Terence aud Pat, 
Each stuck up a peg for a traveller's hat. 
For 'twas land of their own where the Murphys first 

grew, 
And they all were descended from Brien Boru. 

In our garden, to charm both the eye and the nose, 
Nature always seem'd drest in her holiday clothes ; 
And so sweet was the smell of the whisky we brew*d, 
That a pig in the parlour wou'd sometimes intrude. 
Then at the Assizes, I've t^en up a broom 
To leather a cow from the Counsellors' room; 
For we let off a chamber, as other folks do, 
Who may not be descended from Brien Boru. 

But sweetest of all, was that beautiful maid, 
At the door of whose cabin I've oft lcfi my spade; 
From the window she'd peep, like a sly fairy elf, 
Crying, Mister Kilrooney, get out wid yourself — 
If you stop till I open the wicket, my dear, 
I'll be making a noise which nobody can hear — 
Then i always behav'd, as all gentlemen do, 
Who, like me, are descended from Brien Boru. 

[Exit. 

Where the devil's the learned doctor now, to 
teach me the way ? 

Enter Gulna, the Princess's Nurse. 

Oh, here he is — No— blood and ouns, its ano- 
ther ould woman— Does she want to peep in the 
glass ? 

GuL YeSj this is the man — Signor ! Signor !■ 

Kil. Hey? 



THE NINTH STATUE. 39 

GuL Are yon the gentleman with the — 

KiL Och, don't bother. 

GuL The handsome gentleman, with the won- 
derful looking-glass ? 

KiL The handsome ! — Oh yes — I'm the— that 
is, I've got a looking-glass, but those who wish 
to see it must look before they leap. 

GuL I've heard its qualities — the Prophet for- 
bid I shou'd look— but there is a lady, rich, fair 
and virtuous, who wishes me to bring you to her. 

KiL Is she so very beautiful ? 

GuL As an Houri — then her wealth and pru- 
dence — 

KiL Never mind her wealth — let me behold her 
beauty ; and as for her prudence, wait till she sees 
my glass, and— lead the way, ould lady. 

\_Exeunt. 

SCENE IV. 
A Mag7iificent Chamber, ivith a Couch. 

Enter Alcolomb, attended. 

Alco. Is all prepared ? (Slaves bow). Hear then, 
—to-night, an audacious stranger would with his 
presence dare profane these walls :• — he shall be 
suffered to gain this chamber — wait i' the anti- 
room till thrice I clap my hands, thus — then drag 
the miscreant to his fate — away ! \_Exeunt Slaves. 

(Music — Danhasch introduces Namouna, 
wrapt in Zeyn\s Cloak, — makes a signifi- 
cant sign to his Mistress, and retires). 

Alco. Art thou the stranger, whose saucy in- 
quisition dare expose the females of our city o ? 
Shew me the insolent ordeal you propose. 

(Music. — - Namouna, from beneath the 
f 2 



40 THE NINTH STATUE. 

Cloak, holds the Glass to Alcolomb ; 
who, without looking in it, snatches, and 
dashes it to the ground-. — Namouna drops 
her Cloak, and stands in an attitude of 
horror). 

Alco. Thus perish all who would insult our sex i 
For thee, rash youth — -(turning, observes Na- 
mouna) — Ah ! — where is that fierceness of de- 
meanour fled, that lordly scorn which — 

Nam. (Points to the broken Mirror). You have 
destroyed all that could make my master happy ; 
there, too, lies the witness that reflected my ho- 
nest faith to him. 

Alco. Thy master 1 had he been here, he too 
had been destroy'd — my guards are waiting to 
drag him to his fate. 

Nam. Oh, spare him, spare him, lady ; save 
but him, and I will die with pleasure. 

Alco. You shall .at least be safe— that corridor 
leads to my apartment — in my robe, turban, and 
veil, thy slender form may pass for one of my 
attendants. 

Nam. But — my master ! swear he is safe — or — 

Alco. Away, and save thyself! Though in- 
sulted pride bids me seek revenge, I- would not 
have thee suffer innocently. 

Nam. (Goi?ig, stops) —But some one comes— 

Alco. (Points to another entrance). Go that 
way then— I will prevent pursuit. 

[Exit Namouna. 

Enter Gulna, cautiously, from a Door at the back. 

Alco. Nurse! is it you ? 
Gul. (Softly) Hush, lady, he is here. 
Alco. I know he's here, Nurse — is any els« 
with you ? 



THE NINTH STATUE. 41 

GuL No one but him. 

Alco. Fetch quickly my yellow robe, a turban 
and a veil — Putting on that dress, he may escape 
unnoticed — Go, good Nurse, fetch them. 

GuL Fetch them ! I'll go and dress him up 
myself. [Aside, and Exit. 

Alco. On second thought, I will not trust her 
— the way he has gone leads to the wardrobe — 
Disguised like me, and furnish'd with this ring, 
he will pass freely through the palace ; yes, I will 
save him — but for his master, let him dread my 
vengeance. [Exit after Namouna. 

Re-enter Gulna, with Kilrooney, in a Lady's 
Robe, &c. 

Kil. But— what the devil !— 

GuL Hush ! not a word ! if you but speak, 
your life's at stake. 

Kil. (Bawling). So I'm not to spake when my 
life's at stake ! 

GuL Repose you here — I'll go and fetch the 
lady. [Exit. 

Kil. Repose ! devil a night's rest I'll get in the 
place ! By the powers, it's a mighty strong proof 
of weakness I've given, to be led into this scrape 
i — repose indeed ! 

(Sits down on the Couch, ivith his back to 
the Entrance where Boubikir cautiously 
leads on Zeyn). 

Boub. There is the lady — be discreet, and 
prosper. [Exit. 

Kil. (Not looking). Och, yes! I'm in for it — ■ 
deep as the Bog of Allan. 

Zeyn. Madam — whosoe'er you are, I have at- 
tended your commands, in hope to find here at 
last, one bright exception to the ladies of this 
city. 



42 THE NINTH STATUE. 

Kil. I'm a pretty exception to the ladies of the 
city, and the west end of the town into the bar- 
gain. (Aside.) 

Zeyn. My attendant, who is following with the 
polished touchstone you would fain essay — (Sees 
the broken Mirror on the floor) — Ha ! the Mir- 
ror broken !— Now by the Prophet ! — 

Kil. By the Prophet, [he thinks he's got a 
loss ! 

Zeyn. What do I behold ! 

Kil. An Irish gentleman disguised— 

Zeyn. Kilrooney ! What means this ? 

(Points to the broken Glass), 

Kil. (Shciuing the true Mirror) That we seem 
to have got a glass too much. 

Zeyn. Then I am safe again. 

Kil. But is my daughter safe ? 

Zeyn. Who ? 

Kil. Och, that is — she — no, he — I mean to 
say — that broken glass was in her possession, 
if she has been here ! — if any thing has happened 
to my darling, and she's kilt — Och, murder! mur- 
der 1 murder ! (Clasps his hands in agony toge- 
ther two or three times). 

Dan. (Entering ivith Guards) The signal !— 
seize them ! (They are seized). 

Kil. We're dead as the first Monarch ofMun- 
ster ! 

(Namouna rushes on in the Princess's Dress 
and Veil — shews the Signet of . v Icolomb — 
all retire but Zeyn and Kilrooney). 

Zeyn. (Kneels) Unconscious how I have de- 
served your anger, I came at your request to pre- 
sent this Mirror. 

Kil. (Kneels opposite) And T, to ask the fate 
of my poor boy — I mean my — that is, I'm so bo- 
ther'd for her safety, I don't know whether she 



THE NINTH STATUE. 43 

is a boy or a girl — Dear Madam, if you don't un- 
derstand our language, and can't tell what I say, 
to answer — just give a nod in token of her safety 
•^-that's it, that's it 1 

(Music. — Namouna nods, and points to the 
Entrance— KWrooney runs off- — Namouna 
then points to the broken Mirror, and to 
that in the hands ofZsyn, who speaks). 

Zeyn. This is the true one — look in it, Ma- 
dam — if you can return it, retaining still its na- 
tive brightness, my task is ended, and your glory 
will be with scarce a parallel. 

(Music, — Namouna, trembling and agitated, 
takes the Glass — raises her Veil, and puis 
the Mirror so immediately before her face, 
as to prevent Zeyn '5 discovering her at 
first — gives a faint scream of joy — returns 
the Glass unsullied, and drops her Veil). 

Zeyn, Victory 1 King of the Genii, behold the 
partner of thy reign ! 

(Thunder — two Genii rise, and seize Na- 
mouna. Zeyn for the first time discovers 
ivho she is— advances towards her — the Ge- 
nii sink with her, who shrieks, and faints 
in their arms- — -Alcolomb, with her Attend- 
ants, rushes on at the same moment, and 
form a Groupe in the distance — -Zeyn re- 
mains some time transfixed— then speaks J. 

—Perfidious Genius 1 — Lost ! Namouna lost ! 
Perdition on the spell which, when I slept, in- 
volved me in this fate ! better my people's swords 
had pierced my breast, than lacerated thus, that 
it should feel excess of misery ! 

(Thunder— a Voice from above). 
" Unthankful Prince, repine not— the contract is 



44 THE NINTH STATUE, 

u fulfilled —and the Ninth Statue will repay 
•' thee beyond thy hopes 1" 

fAlcolomb and Attendants disappear, and 
the Chamber changes to— 

SCENE V. 

The Hall of Statues, as before. 

Zeyn. More mockery 1 — What to me the 
riches of this Hall, without Namouna ? Here will 
I mourn her loss, till wretched life, like the pale 
quivering flame that trembles in its socket, shall 
expire, and death unite me to the maid I love ! 
(Music. — A Statue rises upon the Ninth Pe- 
destal — Zeyn lifts it ojf, and brings it for- 
ward — it proves to be Namouna, who flies 
into his arms — her Father enters — 

Kil. Oh, my dear Nora, I thought to have 
found you here, and here I meet you in another 
place — 

— She embraces him — the ivhole of Zeyn's 
Court enter — the King of the Genii ap- 
pears in a brilliant Cloud at the back of 
the Hall — all bow to him, arid finish the 
piece with the following brief 

CHORUS. 

Virtue beam'd from woman's eye 3 
Reflects man's best felicity! 

FINIS» 



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